George Street Naturopathic Newsletter
Dear Your Name Here
Soak up the start of spring with these healthful hints from the George Street Naturopathic Medicine e-newsletter.
In this issue:
- Skin Deep
- Compute your caffeine
- Favourite herbal teas
- Clinic news
Skin Deep
Skin, the body’s largest organ, performs vital functions to help keep us healthy. The surface of the skin provides a way in which substances, both harmful and health-promoting, can be absorbed into our body. Everyday we put things onto our skin in various forms such as creams, powders and sprays but do we critically ask what impacts product ingredients might be having on our overall health? There is an online tool that helps consumers identify which skin care products are doing us more harm than good: the ‘Skin Deep’ database
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/
Skin Deep, developed by researchers at the Environmental Working Group, pairs ingredients in more than 42,000 products against 50 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases. It is easy to use: enter products names in the searchable database and you are given a comprehensive safety rating. I have found this particularly helpful in choosing products for children, as the smaller the body, the more susceptible the body is to the damage of harmful ingredients.
Compute your caffeine
Are you taking in too much caffeine on a daily basis? Health
- 45 mg for children aged 4 - 6
- 62.5 mg for children aged 7 - 9
- 85 mg for children aged 10 - 12
- 300mg for women of childbearing age
- 400mg for the rest of the general population of healthy adults
Did you know that caffeine:
· Elevates our stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline, norephinephrine)? These hormones cause an increase in our heart rate and blood pressure and activate the body’s “fight or flight” response.
· Stimulates increased secretion of stomach acid which irritates both the stomach and small intestine?
· Decreases our absorption of vital minerals such as Magnesium?
· Interferes with the function of GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain which plays an important role in regulating our mood and helping us best manage stress? GABA is calming – a lack of GABA makes us feel frazzled and on edge.
To calculate your daily caffeine intake, refer to the following table:
|
SOURCE OF CAFFEINE |
MILLIGRAMS OF CAFFEINE (mg) |
|
Coffee: (6 oz. serving) |
|
|
Automatic Drip |
180 |
|
Automatic Perk |
125 |
|
Instant |
75 |
|
Decaffeinated |
5 |
|
Coffee flavoured instant mixes |
50 |
|
|
11 |
|
Tea: (6 oz. serving) |
|
|
Black |
75 |
|
Green |
32 |
|
Decaffeinated |
1 |
|
Soft Drinks (12 oz. serving) |
45 |
|
Red Bull (8.5 oz. serving) |
80 |
|
Chocolate (1 oz. serving) |
|
|
Dark |
20 |
|
Milk |
6 |
Note: The above list is not exhaustive. Read labels to identify hidden sources of caffeine.
Favourite herbal teas
Looking for a decaffeinated hot drink option? Try an herbal tea. Herbal teas contain medicinal compounds which have a variety of effects on our body. Here are some of my favourites:
Nettle – Known to strengthen and support the entire body. Throughout
Licorice – A traditional herbal remedy used all around the world. It is has anti-inflammatory properties, and is very healing to mucous membranes. Plus it tastes deliciously sweet. (NOTE: People with high blood pressure should not use licorice).
Oatstraw – One of the best remedies for nourishing the nervous system. It is especially useful for people who are under stress and experiencing exhaustion.
Fennel – This seed is an excellent stomach and intestinal remedy that helps to relieve cramping and bloating, while stimulating digestion and appetite. It has a calming effect in bronchitis and other coughs. Fennel is also used to increase milk flow in nursing mothers.
Chamomile – Probably the most widely used relaxing herb in the Western world, and is safe for use in all types of anxiety and stress-related disorders. It also has a relaxing effect on the digestive system and helps relieve colic pains and gas. Makes a wonderful late-night tea to ensure restful sleep.
Clinic news
My maternity leave starts May 1, 2009 and I will return to the clinic September 8, 2009. Some patients already personally met my replacement Dr. Stephanie Schmidt. Dr. Stephanie will be available for appointments, questions and supplement pick-up at my office on Tuesdays and some Saturdays. To contact Dr. Stephanie, please call the clinic phone number (519.575.6016).
Note that the clinic e-mail will not be checked over the summer.
Stay safe and healthy. I look forward to re-connecting with you upon my return in the fall.
In health,
Dr. Joanna Thiessen, Naturopath and Doula
Director,
t: 519.575.6016
w: www.georgestreetnaturopathic.com
Disclaimer: The information presented herein is not a prescription and does not substitute the consultation of a health care practitioner.
